Our Argentine guides will be the reason you return to Patagonia for many years to come. Being born and raised in Patagonia gives them complete knowledge of the people, trout, foliage, animals, history and, most of all, the fishing. They will pick you up at the airport and from that moment forward, they will be your host, guide, translator, driver, sometimes cook and your friend. All our guides speak fluent English and are experienced in rowing and instruction.

Esquel Outfitters uses the leading guides in the Chubut Province. All of our guides are licensed and legal Argentines. We pride ourselves in knowing that we are the largest guide service in the area comprised completely of English speaking Argentines. We guarantee that every group will be guided by at least one of the lead guides and never will a clients’ well-being be sacrificed.

A RESPONSIBLE GUIDE OR OUTFITTER

Many anglers who fish worldwide (especially those that plan to fish in Argentina and Chile) ask the question, How do I find a responsible guide or outfitter and what questions should I ask him/her in regards to my fishing trip?

In order to work legally, the lodge, outfitter or travel agent is required to have a R.U.T. (for Chile) or C.U.I.T. number (for Argentina) and possess a business license number that is registered with the federal, state and local government of that particular country. They are required to have invoices or bills of sale with their business name, address and respective tax number printed on them. If any one proposes to be an outfitter and does not have these qualifying requirements, he is not conducting a legal business and should not be used in contracting a fishing trip to the respective countries. Many fishing agents and travel agents in the United States represent legal outfitters and lodges in Argentina and Chile and are for the most part, reliable businesses that can be used in arranging a fishing trip to Patagonia.

Today in Argentina and Chile you will find many lodges operating in a legal responsible fashion with qualified licensed guides who are bonded and insured by the government. Some speak English very well and others speak enough to get by, but many speak only their native language. In the Province of Chubut, which is the Esquel area of the Argentine Patagonia, you have a large association of qualified guides. All are licensed and insured and will be able to show you their identification card with their picture on it. If they do not, he/she is not the person you would want to contract with as being responsible for your fly fishing trip. The province used to allow helper guides who did not need a license, but that is no longer allowed in the National Parks. Quite simply, in the Chubut Province you cannot be a legal guide unless you reside in the province. Which means almost all American guides are working illegally and pose a threat to themselves and their clients. The consequence of using an illegal guide can lead to the confiscation of all of the client and guides gear.

For the angler who wishes to be sure about his guide or outfitter being legal, just ask for the above information. A responsible guide or outfitter will be happy to respond affirmatively if he is legally able too.